Surgical device for the collection of soft tissue

ABSTRACT

A handheld biopsy device is provided for the collection of soft tissue samples from a surgical patient. In a preferred embodiment, the biopsy device comprises a handpiece, a fluid collection system, and a power transmission source. The handpiece is configured for grasping by a single hand, and being independently manipulatable by hand for movement of the instrument toward and away from the patient. An elongated piercer extends from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer has a sharpened distal end for entering the tissue and a port located proximal to the sharpened distal end for receiving a portion of tissue mass. An elongated cutter is disposed coaxially relative to a piercer lumen of the piercer. A distal blade of the cutter slides distally past the port of the piercer to severe the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The cutter is retracted to a most proximal position for removal of the tissue portion from a cutter lumen of the cutter. The handpiece further comprises a holster for detachably connecting a cutter rotational transmission and a cutter axial transmission to the power transmission source.

RELATED PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to the following co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/825,899 filed on Apr. 2, 1997; Ser. No.09/107,845 filed on Jun. 30, 1998. This application is further relatedto the following co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,filed (Attorney Docket No. END 562); Ser. No. ______, filed (AttorneyDocket No. END 563).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to devices for tissuesampling and, more particularly, to improved biopsy probes for acquiringsubcutaneous biopsies and for removing lesions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancerous tumors,pre-malignant conditions, and other disorders has long been an area ofintense investigation. Non-invasive methods for examining tissue includepalpation, X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging. When the physiciansuspects that a tissue may contain cancerous cells, a biopsy may be doneusing either an open procedure or a percutaneous procedure. For an openprocedure, a scalpel is used by the surgeon to create a large incisionin the tissue in order to provide direct viewing and access to thetissue mass of interest. The entire mass (excisional biopsy) or a partof the mass (incisional biopsy) may then be removed. For a percutaneousbiopsy, a needle-like instrument is used through a very small incisionto access the tissue mass of interest and to obtain a tissue sample forlater examination and analysis. The advantages of the percutaneousmethod as compared to the open method may be significant and mayinclude: less recovery time for the patient, less pain, less surgicaltime, lower cost, and less disfigurement of the patient's anatomy. Useof the percutaneous method in combination with imaging devices such asX-ray and ultrasound has resulted in highly reliable diagnoses andtreatments.

[0004] Generally there are two ways to obtain percutaneously a portionof tissue from within the body, by aspiration or by core sampling.Aspiration of the tissue through a fine needle requires the tissue to befragmented into pieces small enough to be withdrawn in a fluid medium.The method is less intrusive than other known sampling techniques, butone can only examine cells in the liquid (cytology) and not the cellsand the structure (pathology). In core biopsy, a core or fragment oftissue is obtained for histologic examination which may be done via afrozen or paraffin section.

[0005] The type of biopsy used depends mainly on various factors presentin the patient, and no single procedure is ideal for all cases. Corebiopsy, however, is very useful in a number of conditions and is widelyused by physicians.

[0006] A number of biopsy devices have been designed and commercializedfor use in combination with imaging devices. One such biopsy instrumentis the BIOPTY gun, available from C. R. Bard, Inc. and described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,699,154 and 4,944,308 as well as in U.S. Reissued Pat. No.Re. 34,056. The BIOPTY gun is a core sampling biopsy device in which thebiopsy needle is spring-powered. However, when using the BIOPTY gun, thebreast or organ must be punctured and the device is re-inserted eachtime a sample is taken. Another core biopsy device is the TRUE CUTneedle manufactured by Travenol Laboratories. This TRUECUT needlecollects a single core of tissue using a pointed element with aside-facing notch to receive tissue and an outer, sharpened slidingcannula to cut the core sample from the surrounding tissue.

[0007] Aspiration biopsy devices for obtaining biopsy samples from thebody are described in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,130; U.S. Pat.No. 5,526,821; U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,138; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,827.These patents describe devices which use the aspiration method of liquidsuspended tissue extraction rather than core sampling to extract tissue.

[0008] To overcome operator error associated with such devices, and toenable multiple sampling of the tissue without having to reenter thetissue for each sample, a biopsy instrument now marketed under thetradename MAMMOTOME was developed. Embodiments of the invention-aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,822. The MAMMOTOME instrument is a typeof image-guided, percutaneous, coring, breast biopsy instrument. It isvacuum-assisted and some of the steps for retrieving the tissue sampleshave been automated. The physician uses this device to capture“actively” (using the vacuum) the tissue prior to severing it from thebody. This allows for sampling tissues of varying hardness. In theMAMMOTOME biopsy instrument, the cutter is rotated using a motor drivemounted in the instrument while the surgeon manually moves the cutterback and forth by a knob on the outside of the instrument. Thus, thesurgeon is able, through tactile feedback, to determine whether theblade is effectively cutting tissue or if there is a problem, such asbinding or stalling. The surgeon may then adjust the speed at which theblade is moved through the tissue, stop the blade, or back the bladeaway from the tissue. The device can also be used to collect multiplesamples in numerous positions about its longitudinal axis, withoutremoving the biopsy needle from the body. These features allow forsubstantial sampling of large lesions and complete removal of smallones. In the MAMMOTOME, a vacuum chamber is attached alongside andfluidly connected to an elongated, hollow piercer. The vacuum suppliedthrough the vacuum chamber pulls tissue into the lateral receiving portof the hollow piercer.

[0009] For breast biopsies, the devices described so far are mostcommonly used in combination with either X-ray or ultrasound imaging tolocate suspicious tissue, although other imaging modalities such asmagnetic resonance imaging are also available. When using, for example,the MAMMOTOME biopsy device with an X-ray stereotactic table, the biopsydevice is attached to a movable, mechanical mounting arm. The patientlies face down on the table and the patient's breast is guided throughan opening in the stereotactic table. Several X-ray images of the breastare taken from different angles to determine the location of thecalcifications, lesions, etc. which are to be removed from the breast.Next the mounting arm is manually repositioned so that the biopsy deviceis properly aligned with the breast. Then the mounting arm ismanipulated to push piercer of the biopsy device into the breast untilthe tip of the piercer is positioned alongside the tissue to be sampled.Additional X-ray images are then made to confirm that the port on thedistal end of the piercer is in the proper position to collect thedesired tissue portions. The biopsy device is then used to retrieve oneor more core samples of tissue. Additional X-ray images are taken toconfirm the removal of the suspect tissue. Sometimes the biopsy deviceand mounting arm must be repositioned during the procedure so that thetip of the piercing element is in a new location in order to retrievemore tissue samples. As this brief description illustrates, there aremany time consuming steps in getting the biopsy device properlypositioned to retrieve the desired tissue. In addition, theaccessibility of certain parts of the breast may be hindered by thedegrees of freedom of the movement of the mounting arm. Also, the sizeof the stereotactic table and associated equipment precludes portabilityof the system. It is not possible, for example, to have a number ofpatients being prepared for the procedure in separate rooms of a clinic,if there is only one room set-up for doing the procedure. Having aportable system would allow the surgeon to go from room-to-room andperform the procedure, and thus allow more patients to be treated in agiven time period at the clinic.

[0010] Biopsy devices are also used with other kinds of X-ray imagingsystems such as those for which the patient is upright rather than lyingdown. The numerous steps described above for locating, confirming, andreconfirming using X-ray stereo “snapshots” are also necessary for theupright versions.

[0011] The MAMMOTOME biopsy instrument may also be used with real timehandheld imaging devices such as ultrasound imaging devices. When usinga biopsy instrument such as the MAMMOTOME with a handheld ultrasoundimaging device, the surgeon gains the advantage of having real timeimaging of the tissue of interest. Typically the ultrasound imagingdevice is held in one hand and pointed at the tissue being penetrated bythe piercer. In order to facilitate positioning and manipulation of boththe biopsy instrument and the imaging device, it is normally necessaryto attach the biopsy instrument to a mechanical, articulating arm whichis designed to support the weight of the biopsy instrument. In addition,since axial movement of the cutter on the MAMMOTOME is actuated by hand,the biopsy device must be rigidly supported to allow the surgeon toactuate the cutter without moving the tip. Alternatively, an assistantmay be used to help operate the controls for the biopsy device. Itwould, therefore, be advantageous to design a handheld core samplingbiopsy instrument wherein the cutter of the instrument was moved using amotor drive which could be actuated by the touch of a switch. Further,since some of the electrical and vacuum controls are not on theMAMMOTOME biopsy instrument itself, the biopsy instrument must berigidly supported or the surgeon must have an assistant to actuate thecontrols. It would, therefore, be further advantageous if the electricaland vacuum controls for the biopsy device were positioned in relativelyclose proximity either on the instrument or, for example, on anassociated generator. Automating axial movement of the cutter will, tosome extent, eliminate the tactile feedback that the surgeon gets frommoving the cutter blade manually. It would, therefore, be advantageousto provide a method of automatically measuring and controlling the axialmovement of the cutter which could be utilized to, for example, preventthe cutter from advancing when the port is blocked.

[0012] In recent years several patents have issued describing handheld,motorized devices for the extraction of tissue from the body. Many ofthese devices are for arthroscopic surgery and are not intended forretrieving biopsy core samples of tissue for pathological analysis. Themotors are for rotationally driving the cutting/milling end effectors,but not for advancing the end effectors into the tissue. Examples ofarthroscopic, handheld, motorized devices include the following U.S.Pat. Nos.: 4,995,877; 4,705,038; 5,192,292; 5,112,299; 5,437,630;5,690,660; and 5,320,635.

[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,061 issued to Terwilliger, et al, on Jul.10, 1990, a core sampling, handheld biopsy device incorporating abattery powered motor for driving a means to penetrate and sever tissueis described. The motor axially drives a cutter to advance the cutterinto tissue, thus eliminating the noise and jerking associated withmechanical stops of the spring-actuated devices. This significantly addsto the comfort of both the patient and the surgeon. However, the devicedoes not incorporate a vacuum source for obtaining the tissue portion.As described in Burbank, et al, '822 and '333, the vacuum greatlyfacilitates the capturing of a complete tissue portion within the distalend port on the piercing element. Capturing more tissue with each samplereduces the number of samples required, and increases the likelihood ofobtaining the diseased tissue. The Terwilliger device in '061 also doesnot address how to minimize leakage and spilling of the high volume offluids present in biopsy procedures.

[0014] The surgeon may prefer to use an X-ray imaging system for somepatients, and an ultrasound imager for others. In such situations, itwould be desirable to use a biopsy instrument which is adaptable to bothkinds of imaging systems. Such an instrument could be used as a handheldinstrument or also as an instrument mounted onto the arm of an X-raystereotactic table, depending on the situation.

[0015] It is therefore desirable to provide a more versatile and“patient friendly” biopsy device than what is currently available. Thedevice should be particularly adapted for use without mounting to anX-ray stereotactic table. It should be a lightweight, maneuverable,handheld device, so that the surgeon may have the option to perform thebiopsy procedure in combination with an ultrasound imaging device. It isdesirable that the device be easily transported from room-to-room sothat several patients may be prepared for the surgical procedureconcurrently, thus allowing more patients to be treated in a given timeperiod, and potentially reducing the overall cost of the surgicalprocedure. In addition, it is desirable to perform a biopsy with fewersteps in order to decrease the overall time of the procedure. This wouldbe achievable by eliminating the need to set-up and operate the X-raystereotactic table. The combination of these factors could allow thesurgical procedure to be more widely available to patients than it iscurrently.

[0016] It is also desirable to provide a handheld biopsy device whichmay be held parallel to the chest wall of the patient, so that suspecttissue masses close to the chest wall can be easily sampled. It isdesirable that the surgeon be able to easily steer the penetrating tipof the handheld device towards the desired tissue to be sampled. It isfurther desired that the surgeon-have-tactile-feedback as the tissue isprobed by the penetrating tip of the device, to provide the surgeon withclues regarding the disease state of the tissue encountered. It is alsodesirable that the biopsy device be “patient friendly” by not havingnoisy or jerky mechanical actuations during the procedure, and by nothaving to be used with large machines such as an X-ray stereotactictable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention overcomes problems associated with using abiopsy instrument which may be used only when mounted to an X-raystereotactic system. In the preferred embodiment, the present inventionis a handheld biopsy device which may be used in combination withanother handheld imaging device such as an ultrasound imaging device.The biopsy instrument is for the collection of at least one soft tissuesample from a surgical patient. The biopsy instrument has a handpiecewhich is independently manipulatable by hand movement of the instrumenttoward and away from the patient. The biopsy instrument has an elongatedpiercer extending from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer hasa piercer lumen through it and a sharpened distal end for enteringtissue when the handpiece is moved independently by hand toward thesurgical patient so as to cause the sharpened distal end to penetratetissue. The piercer also has a port located proximal to the sharpeneddistal end for receiving a portion of a tissue mass when the handpieceis further manipulated independently by hand so as to position thetissue mass adjacent to the port. The piercer lumen is in fluidcommunication with this port.

[0018] The present invention also has an elongated cutter with a lumenthrough it. This cutter is disposed coaxially and slidably relative tothe piercer. The cutter has a cutting blade on the distal end forcutting the portion of tissue protruding into the port of the piercerwhen the cutter slides distally past the port. A portion of the cuttissue is then deposited within the cutter lumen proximal to the cuttingblade.

[0019] The present invention includes a cutter rotational transmissioncontained within the handpiece and operationally connected to theelongated cutter. When the cutter rotational transmission is actuated,the cutter is rotated about its longitudinal axis.

[0020] The present invention further includes a cutter axialtransmission contained within the handpiece and operationally connectedto the elongated cutter. When the cutter axial transmission is actuated,the cutter is slid in an axial direction relative to the piercer. It isslid in the distal axial direction to cut a portion of tissue protrudinginto the port. It is slid in the proximal axial direction to retrievethe cut portion of tissue from the biopsy instrument.

[0021] The biopsy device also has a power transmission source which isoperationally engageable with the cutter rotational transmission forrotation of the cutter. In the preferred embodiment, the powertransmission source is also operationally engageable with the cutteraxial transmission for the longitudinal movement of the cutter. A firstelectric motor is operationally engaged to the cutter rotationaltransmission by a first flexible, rotatable shaft. A second electricmotor is operationally engaged to the cutter axial transmission by asecond flexible, rotatable shaft. The handpiece also includes a holster.The distal ends of the first and second rotatable shafts are rotatablymounted in the holster so that the first and second shafts areoperationally engaged, respectively, to the cutter rotationaltransmission and the cutter axial transmission inside the handpiece.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a tubulartissue remover is disposed in the cutter lumen of the cutter. The tissueremover pushes the tissue portion out of the distal end of the cutterlumen and onto a tissue sapling surface of the handle when the cutter isretracted in the proximal direction. The proximal end of the tissueremover is connected to a first vacuum tube which is connected by afirst connector to a fluid collection system. The fluidic contents ofthe cutter lumen are transported to the fluid collection system when thevacuum is actuated. A strainer on the distal end of the remover isprovided to block the tissue portion from entering the remover.

[0023] Also in the preferred embodiment, the proximal end of the piercerlumen is connected by a second vacuum tube which is connected by asecond connector to the fluid collection system. The fluidic contents ofthe piercer lumen also are transported to the fluid collection systemwhen the vacuum of the system is actuated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The novel features of the invention are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however,both as to organization and methods of operation, together with furtherobjects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference tothe following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the present invention, a biopsyinstrument which includes a handpiece for the collection of soft tissue;

[0026]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the handpiece showing a probeassembly prior to attachment to a holster;

[0027]FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the probe assembly;

[0028]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the probe assembly of FIG. 2 withthe left handle shell removed to reveal the internal components;

[0029]FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the holster;

[0030]FIG. 6A is a top view in section of the probe assembly and adistal portion of the holster, revealing a cutter in the a first, fullyretracted position;

[0031]FIG. 6B is a top view in partial section of the distal end of theprobe assembly for when the cutter is in the first position and a porton the distal end of a piercer is open;

[0032]FIG. 7A is a top view in section of the probe assembly and adistal portion of the holster, revealing the cutter in a third,intermediate position;

[0033]FIG. 7B is a top view in partial section of the distal end of theprobe assembly and the port on the distal end of the piercer is open inorder to receive the tissue portion to be removed from the patient, anda distal blade (shown with hidden lines) of the cutter is immediatelyproximal to the port, corresponding to the third position of the cuttershown in FIG. 7A;

[0034]FIG. 8A is a top view in section of the probe assembly and adistal portion of the holster revealing the cutter in a fourth, fullydeployed position;

[0035]FIG. 8B is a top view in partial section of the distal end of theprobe assembly and the distal blade (shown with hidden lines) of thecutter is shown distal to the port on the distal end of the piercer,corresponding with the fourth position of the cutter tube shown in FIG.8A;

[0036]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the probe assembly with the lefthandle shell removed, showing the cutter in the first position, and atissue portion is shown deposited onto a tissue sampling surface of thehandle after the tissue portion was removed from the distal end of thecutter;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a partial top view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein a holster upper shell and a probe assemblyupper shell have been removed to reveal the internal components;

[0038]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a holster lower shell and part ofa probe assembly lower shell of the biopsy instrument shown in FIG. 10revealing a latch and a holster slot;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a longitudinal section of the assembled components ofFIG. 11;

[0040]FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of a holster of a thirdembodiment of the present invention, showing a switch board and arotation sensor;

[0041]FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a control unit and itsrelationship to the other components of the present invention; and

[0042]FIG. 15 is an enlarged diagram of the display illustrated in FIG.14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043]FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of biopsy instrument comprising aprobe assembly 40, a holster 140, a fluid collection system 22, acontrol unit 342, and a power transmission source 24. The probe assembly40 is detachably connected to the holster 140. Together they constitutea lightweight, ergonomically shaped, hand manipulatable portion referredto as a handpiece 20. The probe assembly 40 includes a piercer 70extending distally from a hollow handle 43. The probe assembly 40 isfluidly connected to the fluid collection system 22 by a first vacuumtube 94 and a second vacuum tube 136. The first and second vacuum tubesare detachably connected to the fluid collection system 22 by a firstconnector 27 and a second connector 25, respectively. The firstconnector has a male portion 32 and a female portion 28 attached to thefirst vacuum tube 94. The second connector 25 has a female portion 30and a male portion 26 attached to the second vacuum tube 136. Theconnector portions, 26, 28, 30, and 32, are attached in this manner toprevent the accidental switching of the first and second tubes, 136 and94, to the fluid collection system 22. The holster 140 includes a firstrotatable shaft 34, a second rotatable shaft 36, and a control cord 38.The first and second rotatable shafts, 34 and 36, are preferablyflexible so that the operator may easily manipulate the handpiece 20with one hand. The control cord 38 operatively connects the handpiece 20to the power transmission source 24 and control unit 342.

[0044] Since the handpiece 20 is manipulated by the operator's handrather than by an electro-mechanical arm, the operator may steer the tipof the handpiece 20 with great freedom towards the tissue mass ofinterest. The surgeon has tactile feedback while doing so and can thusascertain, to a significant degree, the density and hardness of thetissue being encountered. In addition, the handpiece 20 may be heldapproximately parallel to the chest wall of the patient for obtainingtissue portions closer to the chest wall then may be obtained when usinga instrument mounted to an electro-mechanical arm. As can be seen inFIG. 1, the piercer 70 extends from the distal end of the handpiece 40and is longitudinally offset with respect to the handpiece 40. Thisoffset also facilitates the insertion of the piercer 70 into the tissuewhile the axis of the piercer 70 is approximately parallel to the planeof the patient's chest wall. As a result, it is possible to extracttissue potions which are located close to the chest wall of the patient.

[0045] Those skilled in the art may appreciate that a mount or “nest”could be provided to hold the handpiece 20 securely to the movable armof an X-ray stereotactic table or other kind of imaging device whichincorporates a movable arm for holding a biopsy instrument. This wouldprovide the operator with the option to use the handpiece 20 to accessthe tissue mass within the surgical patient in much the same manner aswas described earlier for using the MAMMOTOME instrument. Thisversatility may be advantageous to the operator, for example, in asituation where the handheld imaging device was temporarily notavailable for use, and it would be necessary to use the X-raystereotactic table.

[0046]FIG. 2 shows the holster 140 and the probe assembly 40 separated.A pair of tabs 144 project laterally from each side of a holster uppershell 142, and insert into right and left undercut ledges, 138 and 139respectively, of the hollow handle 43 of the probe assembly 40. Aplurality of indentations 66 are provided on the handle 43 to improvethe operator's grip on the instrument. A tube slot 162 in the lowershell 156 of the holster 140 provides clearance for first and secondvacuum tubes, 94 and 136. A first switch 146, a second switch 148, and athird switch 150 are mounted in the distal portion of the holster 140 sothat the physician can operate the handpiece 20 with a single hand whilehaving the other hand free to operate an ultrasonic imaging device orthe like. The switches 146, 148, and 150 are provided to operate thepower transmission source 24 and the fluid collection system 22 inconjunction with the control unit 342. A ridge 152 on the distal end ofthe holster 140 is provided to assist the operator in grasping thehandpiece 20 and in operating the switches 146, 148, and 150. The ridge152 further provides the operator with a tactile reference as to whereto properly grasp the handpiece 20.

[0047] Still in FIG. 2, the probe assembly 40 includes a window 58 sothat a portion of the first vacuum tube 94 may be viewed. The first andsecond vacuum tubes, 94 and 136, are made from a flexible, transparentor translucent material, such as silicone tubing. This enablesvisualization of the material flowing through the tubes. By having thewindow 58 in the probe assembly 40, the operator can see the flow in thefirst vacuum tube 94 without needing to look away from the tissue intowhich the piercer 70 is inserted. A transverse opening 68 is provided inthe distal end of the hollow handle 43 which allows access from eitherside to a tissue sampling surface 64. The tissue extracted from thesurgical patient is retrieved by the operator or an assistant from thetissue sampling surface 64.

[0048]FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the probe assembly 40. Thehandle 43 is formed from a right handle shell 42 and a left handle shell44, each injection molded from a rigid, biocompatible plastic such aspolycarbonate. Upon final assembly of the probe assembly 40, the leftand right handle shells are joined together by ultrasonic welding alonga joining edge 62, or joined by any of several other methods well knownin the art. The probe assembly 40 comprises the piercer 70 whichincludes an elongated, metallic piercer tube 74 having a piercer lumen80. On the side of the distal end of the piercer tube is a port 78 forreceiving the tissue to be extracted from the surgical patient. Joinedalongside the piercer tube 74 is an elongated, tubular, metallic vacuumchamber tube 76 having a vacuum lumen 82. Piercer lumen 80 is in fluidcommunication with vacuum lumen 82 via a plurality of vacuum holes 77(see FIG. 6B) located in the bottom of the “bowl” defined by the port78. These holes are small enough to remove the fluids but not largeenough to allow excised tissue portions to be removed through the firstvacuum tube 94 which is fluidly connected to the vacuum chamber 76. Asharpened, metallic distal end 72 is attached to the distal end of thepiercer 70. It is designed to penetrate soft tissue such as the breast.In this embodiment, the sharpened distal end 72 is a three-sided,pyramidal-shaped point, although the tip configuration may also haveother shapes.

[0049] Still referring to FIG. 3, the proximal end of the piercer 70 isattached to a union sleeve 90 having a longitudinal bore 84 through it,a widened center portion 86, and a transverse opening 88 through thewidened center portion 86. The union sleeve 90 is mounted between theleft and right handle shells, 44 and 42 respectively, on a pair of unionsleeve ribs 50 projecting from each handle shell. An elongated,metallic, tubular cutter 96 is axially aligned within the longitudinalbore 84 of the union sleeve 90 and the piercer lumen 80 of the piercer70 so that the cutter 96 may slide easily in both the distal andproximal directions. A pair of cutter guides 46 are integrally moldedinto each of the handle halves, 42 and 44, to slidably retain the cutter96 in an coaxially aligned position with the proximal end of the piercertube 74. Cutter 96 has a cutter lumen 95 through the entire length ofthe cutter 96. The distal end of the cutter 96 is sharpened to form acutter blade 97 for cutting tissue held against the cutter blade 97 asthe cutter 96 is rotated. The proximal end of the cutter 96 is attachedto the inside of a cutter gear bore 102 of a cutter gear 98. The cuttergear 98 may be metallic or polymeric, and has a plurality of cutter gearteeth 100, each tooth having a typical spur gear tooth configuration asis well known in the art.

[0050] Still in FIG. 3, the cutter gear 98 is driven by an elongateddrive gear 104 having a plurality of drive gear teeth 106 designed tomesh with the cutter gear teeth 100. The function of the drive gear 104is to rotate the cutter gear 98 and the cutter 96 as they translate inboth longitudinal directions. The drive gear 104 is preferably made froma metal such as stainless steel. A distal drive axle 108 projects fromthe distal end of the drive gear 104 and mounts into an axle support ribmolded on the inside of the left handle shell 44. A gear shaft 110projects from the proximal end of the drive gear 104 and is supported bya gear shaft support rib also molded on the inside of the left handleshell 44. A left cross pin 112 is attached to the proximal end of thegear shaft 110 as a means for rotationally engaging the drive gear 104.

[0051] Still referring to FIG. 3, a carriage 124 is provided to hold thecutter gear 98 and to carry the cutter gear 98 as it is rotated in thedistal and proximal directions. The carriage 124 is preferably moldedfrom a rigid polymer and is cylindrically shaped with a threaded bore126 through it and with a carriage foot 130 extending from its side. Thefoot 130 has a recess 128 formed into it for rotatably holding thecutter gear 98 in the proper orientation for the cutter gear teeth 100to mesh properly with the drive gear teeth 106. The carriage 124 isattached via the threaded bore 126 to an elongated screw 114 which isparallel to the drive gear 104. The screw 114 has a plurality ofconventional lead screw threads 116 and is preferably made from astainless steel. The rotation of the screw 114 in one direction causesthe carriage 124 to move distally, while the reverse rotation of thescrew 114 causes the carriage 124 to move proximally. In turn, thecutter gear 98 moves distally and proximally according to the directionof the screw rotation, and the cutter 96 is advanced or retracted. Inthis embodiment, the screw 114 is shown with a right hand thread so thatclockwise rotation (looking from the proximal to distal direction)causes the carriage 124 to translate in the distal direction. It is alsopossible to use a left-hand thread for the screw 114 as long asprovisions are made to do so in the control unit 342. A distal screwaxle 118 and a proximal screw shaft 120 project from the distal andproximal ends, respectively, of the screw 114. The distal screw axlemounts rotatably in a distal screw support 48 of the right handle shell42 while the proximal screw shaft 120 mounts rotatably in a proximalscrew support 54, also in the right handle shell 42. A right cross pin122 is attached to the proximal end of the screw shaft 120 as arotational engagement means.

[0052]FIG. 3 also shows the first and second vacuum tubes, 94 and 136respectively, referred to earlier. The distal end of the first vacuumtube 94 is attached to a polymeric vacuum fitting 92 which insertstightly into the transverse opening 88 of the union sleeve 90. Thisallows the communication of fluids in the piercer lumen 80 to the fluidcollection system 22. The first vacuum tube 94 is contained within thehollow handle 43 in an open space above the screw 114 and drive gear104, and exits the distal end of the hollow handle through an opening57. The second vacuum tube 136 is fluidly attached to the proximal endof an elongated, metallic, tubular tissue remover 132. The second vacuumtube 136 exits the hollow handle 43 alongside the first vacuum tube 94out the opening 57. A strainer 134 is attached to the distal end of thetissue remover 132 to prevent the passage of fragmented tissue portionsthrough it and into the fluid collection system 22. The tissue remover132 inserts slideably into the tubular cutter 96. During operation ofthe biopsy instrument, the tissue remover 132 is always stationary andis mounted between a pair of proximal supports 52 on the inside of theright and left handle shells, 42 and 44 respectively. When the cutter 96is fully retracted to the first position, the distal end of the tissueremover 132 is approximately even with the distal end of the cutter 96.The distal end of the cutter 96 when at its first, fully retractedposition, is slightly distal to a vertical wall 69 which is proximal andperpendicular to the tissue sampling surface 64.

[0053] In FIG. 3, a right access hole 56 is shown in the proximal end ofthe right handle shell 43. The right access hole 56 provides access tothe proximal end of the screw 114 for operational engagement to thepower transmission source 24. Similarly, a left access hole is providedin the left handle shell 44 to provide access to the proximal end of thedrive gear 104 for operational engagement with the power transmissionsource 24.

[0054] The tissue remover 132 has two functions. First, it helps toevacuate fluids contained in the piercer lumen 80. This is accomplishedby the attachment of the second vacuum tube 136 to the proximal end ofthe tissue remover 132. Since the distal end of the tissue remover 132is inserted into the piercer lumen 80, the piercer lumen 80 is fluidlyconnected to the fluid collection system 22. Second, the tissue remover132 removes tissue from the cutter 96 as follows. When a tissue sampleis taken, the cutter 96 advances to the fourth position just distal tothe port 78, and a severed tissue portion 200 is captured within thecutter lumen 95 in the distal end of the cutter 96. Then the cutter 96translates to the first position so that the cutter blade 97 is justdistal to the tissue sampling surface 64. At this position of the cutter96, the distal end of the tissue remover 132 (which is alwaysstationary) is approximately even with the distal end of the cutter 96.Therefore, any tissue portion of significant size contained within thecutter lumen 95 is pushed out of the cutter lumen 95 and onto the tissuesampling surface 64, as is shown in FIG. 9. The tissue portion 200 maythen be retrieved by the operator or an assistant.

[0055] Now turning to FIG. 4, an isometric view of the probe assembly 40with the left handle shell 44 removed reveals the placement of thecomponents described for FIG. 3. Part of the first vacuum tube 94 hasalso been removed for clarity. The carriage 124 is shown in the fullyretracted position so that the cutter 96 is also at the fully retracted,or first position. The cutter blade 97 is slightly distal to thevertical wall 69 on the handle 43. The foot 130 of the carriage 124 isadapted to slide along a carriage guide surface 60 on the inside bottomof the hollow handle 43.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, a cutter axial transmission 121 includes thecarriage 124, the screw 114, and the screw shaft 120. A cutterrotational transmission 109 includes the drive gear 104, the cutter gear98, and the gear shaft 110.

[0057]FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the holster 140 of thefirst embodiment of the present invention. A holster upper shell 142 anda holster lower shell 156 are each injection molded from a rigid,biocompatible plastic such as polycarbonate. Upon final assembly, theshells are joined together by screws (not shown) or other types offasteners well known in the art, into a plurality of alignment holes164. A gear drive shaft 180 and a screw drive shaft 182 are containedwithin the proximal, enclosed portion of the holster 140. These shaftsextend from a grommet 176 which has a groove 172 for retainably mountingonto shell edge 170 of both holster upper and lower shells, 142 and 156,respectively. The grommet 176 rotatably attaches the first rotatableshaft 34 to the screw drive shaft 182 and the second rotatable shaft 36to the gear drive shaft 180. The first rotatable shaft 34 rotatablyinserts into a left bore 172 of the grommet 176. The second rotatableshaft 36 rotatably inserts into a right bore 178. The grommet 176 alsoprovides a strain relieved attachment of the control cord 38 to theholster 140.

[0058] Still referring to FIG. 5, the gear drive shaft 180 is supportedrotatably upon a pair of gear drive mounts 160 formed into a first wall166 and a second wall 168 of the inside of the holster shells, 142 and156. The screw drive shaft 182 is likewise supported rotatably on screwdrive mounts 158. A left coupler 184 is attached to the distal end ofthe drive gear shaft 180 and has a left coupler mouth 192 for rotationalengagement with the left cross pin 112 attached to the gear shaft 110.When the probe assembly 40 shown in FIG. 4 is attached to the holster140, the gear shaft 110 becomes rotatably engaged to the gear driveshaft 180. This may be seen more clearly in FIG. 6A. Similarly, thescrew drive shaft 182 has a right coupler 186 with a mouth 194 whichrotatably engages with the cross pin 122 of the screw shaft 120. Each ofthe left and right couplers, 184 and 186, have a coupler flange, 188 and190, which rotatably insert into thrust slots 159 formed into thecorresponding portions of the drive mounts 158 and 160. These couplerflanges, 188 and 190, bear the axial loading of the drive shafts, 180and 182.

[0059] Still referring to FIG. 5, the holster 140 further includes ascrew rotation sensor 198, available from Hewlett Packard as part numberHEDR-81002P, for providing an electronic signal to the control unit 342to be described in more detail later. In this first embodiment, therotation sensor 198 is mounted within the inside of the holster uppershell 142 and in a position directly above the screw drive shaft 182. Afluted wheel 199 is attached to the screw drive shaft 182 and extends infront of a light emitting diode contained within the rotation sensor198. As the fluted wheel 192 rotates, the interrupted light beams areelectronically detected and transmitted back to the control unit 342 toprovide information about the rotational speed of the screw drive shaft(cutter tube axial advancement or retraction speed), and the number ofscrew rotations from the beginning of operation (instantaneous axialposition of the cutter 96). The rotation sensor leads 196 pass throughthe grommet 176 and are part of the bundle of conductors within thecontrol cord 38.

[0060] The holster 140 of the first embodiment of the present inventionhas the switches, 146, 148, and 150, mounted on the inside of theholster upper shell 142. The switches, 146, 148, and 150, areelectronically connected to a plurality of conductors 193 contained inthe control cord 38. In one embodiment, the third switch 150 operatesthe fluid communication between the handpiece 20 and the fluidcollection system 22 and also sets the control unit 342 to respond tovarious commands; the second switch 148 operates the movement of thecutter 96 in the proximal direction and sets the control unit 342 torespond to various commands; the firstswitch 146 operates the movementof the cutter 96 in the distal direction and sets the control unit 342to respond to various commands. The functions of the switches, 146, 148,and 150, are not restricted to what has been described for the firstembodiment. Also, the physical locations of the switches, 146, 148, and150, on the handpiece 20 are not restricted to the locations depicted inFIG. 2. Other embodiments of the handpiece 20 of the present inventionmay incorporate certain ergonomic or other considerations, and theswitches, 146, 148, and 150, may be located elsewhere.

[0061]FIGS. 6A through 8A depict three of the four positions of thecutter 96 during the operation of the present invention as embodied inthe prior FIGS. 1-5. The three positions are most easily distinguishedby observing the relative positions of the carriage 124 and the cutterblade 97 of the cutter 96.

[0062] In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the retracted, first position is depictedwith the carriage 124 located on the proximal ends of the drive gear 104and the screw 114. The cutter blade 97 is shown to be immediatelyproximal to the tissue sampling surface 64. In this first position, thetissue portion 200 may be retrieved from the tissue sampling surface 64as depicted in FIG. 9.

[0063] The second position of the cutter 96 is not shown in the Figures.At the second cutter position, the distal end of the cutter 96 is justdistal to the tissue sampling surface 64 and inside the piercer lumen 80near the proximal end of the piercer tube 74. During operation thecutter 96 is moved from the first position to the second position at aslower axial speed than from the second position to the third positionin order to facilitate the insertion of the cutter 96 into the proximalend of the piercer lumen 80.

[0064] In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cutter 96 is shown in the third position.The carriage 124 is shown to have moved axially to the intermediateposition which is a short distance from the distal ends of the screw 114and the drive gear 104. The cutter blade 97 is shown by hidden lines tobe located just proximal to the port 78. The vacuum holes 77 are open tothe port 78 so that soft tissue adjacent to the port 78 prolapses intothe port 78 when the first vacuum tube 94 is fluidly connected to thevacuum of the fluid collection system 22.

[0065]FIGS. 8A and 8B shows the cutter 96 at the fourth position, andthe carriage 124 is located near the distal ends of the screw 114 andthe drive gear 104. The cutter blade 97 is shown now (by hidden lines)to be distal to the port 78 and to be covering the vacuum holes 77. Thetissue pulled into the port 78 will have been severed by the rotating,advancing cutter blade 97 and stored inside the cutter lumen 95 of thedistal end of the cutter 96. When the cutter 96 retracts back to thefirst position as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the tissue portion 200 maybe retrieved as shown in FIG. 9.

[0066]FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Themain difference from the first embodiment is that in the secondembodiment a first and a second brushless, electric motor, 234 and 236respectively, are mounted inside a holster 221. First and second motors,234 and 236, are available from Harowe Servo Controllers, Inc., partnumber B0508-050. In this second embodiment, the rotatable shafts 34 and36 have been eliminated so that only a control/electrical power cord 232is required to electrically connect the holster 221 to the powertransmission source 24 and the control unit 342 (see FIG. 1). A holsterlower shell 222 has a first wall 242 and a second wall, 244, which arespaced apart and adapted to support the pair of electric motors, 234 and236 in a side-by-side arrangement. The use of the brushless electricmotors, 234 and 236, eliminates the need for a separate rotation sensorto be mounted in the drive train of one or both of a screw 206 and adrive gear 204 as was described for the first holster embodiment shownin FIG. 5. As in the first embodiment, when a probe assembly 202 isattached to the bolster 221, a right coupler 238 rotationally engages aright cross pin 214 of a screw shaft 210. A left coupler 240rotationally engages a left cross pin 216 of a gear shaft 212. A grommet230 having a grommet groove 231 is retained by an attachment slot 233 inthe holster shell 222. Fastener holes 228 are provided to fasten theholster lower shell 222 to a holster upper shell using screws or othertypes of fasteners well known in the art.

[0067] Still referring to FIG. 10, another difference of the secondembodiment compared to the first is that the probe assembly 202comprises a lower shell 208 and an upper shell (removed for clarity)whereas the hollow handle 43 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4was divided vertically into left and right shells, 44 and 42respectively. This embodiment facilitates the addition of a probe latch220 and other features shown in FIG. 11.

[0068] Using conventional techniques well known in the art, it ispossible to use only one electrically driven motor in place of the twomotors described for both the first and second embodiments of thepresent invention. That is, a single motor may be used to both rotateand advance the cutter 96. The motor may be incorporated into theinstrument so that the cutter rotation and cutter advancement (axialmovement) may occur either simultaneously or separately. The motor maybe located within the adapted handpiece 40 and be electrically connectedto the power source 24 and the control unit 342. The motor may also beoutside the handpiece 40, still electrically connected to the powersource 24 and the control unit 342, and mechanically engaged to thehandpiece 40 by a single flexible shaft.

[0069]FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of the probe lower shell 208 andthe holster lower shell 222 of the biopsy instrument 201 of the secondembodiment of the present invention. The view is shown with the bottomside up in order to clearly present a probe latch 220 which is molded asa cantilever into the probe lower shell 208, and can be deflecteddownwards by a force applied to a latch ramp surface 223. The latch 220further comprises a latch projection 219 for insertion into a holsterslot 224 as the probe assembly is inserted into the holster 221. Theramp surface 220 is deflected downwards by interaction with an insidesurface 225 of the holster shell 222 and retainably snaps into a slotkey 226 when the probe assembly is fully inserted into the holster, thusrotationally engaging the left and right couplers, 240 and 238, to thedrive shaft 212 and the gear shaft 210, respectively, as shown in FIG.10. To remove the probe assembly from the holster, one must press on theprojection 219 while pulling them apart. FIG. 12 shows a longitudinalsection through the center axis of the probe lower shell 208 and theholster lower shell 222 of FIG. 11 for when they are fully attachedtogether.

[0070]FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of a holster 251 of a thirdembodiment of the present invention. It may be used with the probeassembly 40 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. A first and asecond rotatable shafts, 264 and 266, are attached by a grommet 262 to adrive shaft 258 and a screw shaft 260, respectively. Rotatable shafts,264 and 266, are preferably flexible too, in order for the holster 251combined with the probe assembly 40 (see FIG. 2) to be easilymanipulatable with one hand. A fully integral rotation sensor 268 isshown mounted on a screw shaft 260. This rotation sensor 268 is aminiature optical encoder which is commercially available as ModelNumber SEH17 from CUI Stack, Inc. It is electrically connected to aswitch board 274 which mounts to the inside of the holster upper shell252. The switch board 274 also has a ribbon cable 270 containing aplurality of conductors for conveying electronic information to and fromthe control unit 342, power transmission source 24, and the fluidcollection system 22, via a control cable 265. The switch board 274 hasmounted on its distal end, three switches, 276, 278, and 280, foroperation of the present invention in the same manner as described inthe first embodiment: a third switch 280 for fluidic connection to thevacuum of the fluid collection system; a first switch 246 for theforward movement of the cutter 96; and a second switch 248 for thereverse movement of the cutter 96. The specific functions of theswitches, 276, 278, and 280, are not restricted, in other possibleembodiments of the present invention, to the functions described, nor tothe physical locations shown. The switches, 276, 278, and 280, projectthrough switch openings 254 of the holster upper shell 252. A holsterlower shell 256 attaches to the upper shell 252 as in the otherembodiments to enclose the components of the proximal portion of theholster 251.

[0071] Those skilled in the art could easily appreciate that the switchboard 274 and the three switches, 276, 278, and 280, may instead beincorporated into a foot operable device rather than in the handoperable holster 251 shown in FIG. 13. The operator would still be ableto manipulate the instrument with a single hand while actuating theswitches, 276, 278, and 280, by foot, thus freeing the other hand forholding the ultrasound imaging device, or for performing other steps inthe surgical procedure.

[0072]FIG. 14 shows the relationship of the electro-mechanicalcomponents of the present invention the control unit 342. The thirdembodiment of the present invention is depicted and includes the holster251 of FIG. 13. A first motor/tachometer combination 338 (sometimesreferred to as a first motor/tach) and a second motor/tachometercombination 340 (sometimes referred to as a second motor/tach) aredepicted as part of the power transmission source 24, and transmitrotational power to the holster 251 via the first and second rotatableshafts, 264 and 266, respectively. The motor/tach combinations, 340 and348, are commercially available as DC MicroMotors Series 3863, MicroMoElectronics, Inc. The control cord 265 is electrically connected to aserial controller 380 available as Part No. MCF5206eFT40 from Motorola,Inc. A serial controller 380 is electronically connected to theswitchboard 274 by ribbon cable 270 and control cord 265. The serialcontroller 380 coordinates information exchange across the serialcommunication link between the switchboard 274 and the microprocessor408. An advantage provided by the use of the serial controller 380 isthat the required number of conductors 193 may be reduced.

[0073]FIG. 14 depicts the interconnection of the electro-mechanicalcomponents of the fluid collection system 22 and power transmissionsource 24 with control unit 342. The first vacuum tube 94 coming fromthe probe assembly 40 (see FIG. 2) is attached to a first vacuumY-connector 302 fluidly connected a first upper line 306 and a firstlower line 308. The two lines, 306 and 308, pass through a first pinchvalve 314. A suitable, commercially available, three-way pinch valve forthis application is Model Number 373 12-7 15 available from AngarScientific Company, Inc. The pinch valve 314 closes either the upperline 306 or the lower line 308, but never both lines simultaneously. Thelower line 308 provides a vent to atmospheric pressure. The upper line306 attaches to a fluid collection canister 318. Similarly, the secondvacuum line 136 from the probe assembly 40 attaches to a secondY-connector 304 which fluidly is connected to a second upper line 310and a second lower line 312. The first and second vacuum Y-connectors,302 and 304, are molded from a rigid polymer such as polycarbonate Thesecond upper line 310 passes through a second pinch valve 316, which isidentical to the first, and to the canister 318. The second lower line312 passes through the second pinch valve 316 and vents to atmosphere.Again, only one or the other of the two lines may be pinched closed atany time.

[0074] Still referring to the fluid collection system of FIG. 14, a mainvacuum line 320 attaches the canister 318 to an electrically poweredvacuum pump 330. A suitable vacuum pump for this application isavailable by the trademark name WOB-L PISTON Series 2639, from ThomasCompressors and Vacuum Pumps. The main vacuum line 320 passes through aregulator valve 322 to electronically adjust the vacuum pressuresupplied to the canister 318. A commercially available regulator valvefor this application is model number VSONC 6 S 11 V H Q 8 from ParkerHannifin Corp., Pneutronics Division. A pressure sensor 328 is fluidlyattached to the main vacuum line 320 at a sensor connection 324. Thesignal from the pressure sensor 328 is sent to an A/D converter 396 ofthe control unit 342. A commercially available, compensated pressuresensor for this application is model number SDX15 from SenSym, Inc.

[0075] At the heart of the control unit 342 is a 40 MHz, 32 bitmicroprocessor 408, available from Motorola, Inc. as Part No.MCF5206EFT40, which is designed to perform logic operations thateventually translate into simple electromechanical actions.

[0076] Still referring to FIG. 14, the control unit 342 includes a640×480 color TFT-LCD display 334 available from Sharp as part numberLQ64D343. Display 334 is covered by a resistive touchscreen 336 for theuser interface. The touch screen 336 is available from Dynapro as partnumber 95638, and is electronically connected to a touch screencontroller 402 in the control unit 342. The touchscreen controller 402interfaces with the microprocessor 408 and comprises the following: amicrocontroller, part number PIC16C58A, available form Microchip; anEEPROM, part number 93AA466SN, available from Microchip; an A-Dconverter, part number TLV1543CDW, available from Texas Instruments; anda multiplexer-demultiplexer, part number MC74HC4052D, available fromMotorola. The touch screen controller allows the control unit 342 torespond to the user's touch by interpreting touch inputs. Similarly, anLCD controller 404 is an interface between the microprocessor 408 andthe LCD display 334. The LCD controller 404 reduces the burden of themicroprocessor 408 by efficiently controlling display parameters such ascolor, shading, screen update rates, and it typically accesses thememory chips of the microprocessor 408 directly. The LCD controller 404comprises the following: a LCD controller, part number SED1354FOA,available from Epson; a display buffer DRAM, part numberMT4LC1M16E5TG-6, available from Micron; and a line driver, part number74ACTQ16244SSCX, available from National.

[0077] A miniature annunciator 332 is provided with the control unit 342in order to provide the user with audible, feedback “beeps” upon eachactivation of an icon control on the LCD display 334. A suitableannunciator, for this application is model number EAS-45P104S fromPanasonic (Matshusita Electric Corp. of America). The annunciator 332interfaces with the microprocessor 408 by an oscillator 400 whichconverts the digital input signal from the microprocessor 408 to ananalog, periodic output signal, thus controlling the audio frequency ofthe speaker. The volume of the sound coming from the annunciator 332 iscontrolled by a programmable attenuator. The oscillator 400 comprisesthe following: a 8 MHz oscillator, part number ASL-8.0000000-PCSA,available from AMD; and a PLD, part number EPM7256ATC144-7, from Altera.

[0078] Still referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 14, a firstmotor controller and driver 390 interfaces the second electricmotor/tach 340 with the microprocessor 408. The first motor controllerand driver 390 comprises the following: an H-bridge, part numberLMD18200T, available from National; a motion controller, part numberLM629M-8, available from National; and a PLD, part numberEPM7256ATC144-7, available from Altera. The second motor/tach 340 isoperationally connected to the second flexible shaft 266 for theactuation of the cutter axial transmission 121 (see FIG. 4). Thecontroller and driver 390 converts digital input signals from themicroprocessor 408 into analog motor input signals for controlling motorrotational direction and speed. A closed loop digital speed control ofthe motor is also achieved within the controller and driver 390 usingfeedback signals from the rotation sensor 268 available from CUI Stack,Inc., as part number SEH17 (see FIG. 13). The first electric motor/tach338 drives the cutter rotational transmission 109 (see FIG. 4) via thefirst rotatable shaft 264. The first electric motor/tach 338 interfaceswith the microprocessor through the second controller and driver 406.

[0079] An optional card reader 382 may be provided in the control unit342 for reading data from memory card in order to facilitate futuresoftware upgrades and servicing.

[0080] A serial port 384 is provided for the bi-directional dataexchange in a serial transmission mode, again to facilitate futuresoftware upgrades and servicing. The serial port 384 comprises thefollowing: a UART, part number ST16C2552CJ44, available from EXAR; and aline driver-receiver, part number DS14C335MSA, available from National.

[0081] A first PWM (pulse width modulation) driver 386 interfaces thefirst pinch valve 314 with the microprocessor 408. The first PWM driver386 converts a digital input signal from the microprocessor 408 to ananalog output signal having a wave of fixed frequency and amplitude, butvarying duty cycle. To drive the solenoid in the pinch valve 314, thePWM driver 386 is used when the duty cycle is high to initially move thesolenoid. Once the pinch valve 314 is actuated, the duty cycle isreduced to a level which maintains valve position, thus minimizing powerrequirements. A second PWM driver 388 similarly interfaces a secondpinch valve 316 with the microprocessor 408. A third PWM driver 394interfaces with the regulator valve 322. The PWM drivers, 394, 388, and386 each comprise the following: a PLD, part number EPM7256ATC144-7,available from Altera; and a FET transistor, part number NDS9945,available from Fairchild.

[0082] A RAM memory device 392 available from Micron as DRAM part numberMT4LC1M16E5TG-6, is provided with the microprocessor 408, and inherentlyloses stored data when power is removed. A flash memory device 398, onthe other hand, is provided with the microprocessor 408 to store dataeven without continuous power, but it has slower access time than theRAM device 392. The flash memory device 398 is part numberAm29LV800BT-70REC from AMD.

[0083] An A/D converter 396 converts voltage signals from the pressuresensor 328 into digital signals to the microprocessor 408, formaintaining the desired vacuum pressure in the fluid collection system22. The A/D converter 396 is part number-PCF8591AT, available fromPhilips.

[0084] Still referring to FIG. 14, the first (axial) controller anddriver 390 and the second (rotational) controller and driver 406continually calculate and update the axial and rotational position ofthe cutter 96 within the handpiece 20. They also calculate the speed andacceleration of the cutter 96 axial and rotational movement from thepositional information. The microprocessor 408 monitors both the axialposition and speed of the cutter 96 and the rotational position andspeed via the first controller and driver 390 and the second controllerand driver 406.

[0085] While in the sampling mode and with the cutter 96 advancingtoward the third position (proximal to port 78), when the cutter 96reaches a predetermined axial position, the microprocessor 408 sends asignal to the second controller and driver 406 to initiate cutterrotation. The rotational speed of the cutter 96 follows a predefinedspeed profile which insures that the cutter rotational speed is at Zrevolutions per minute (rpm) when the cutter 96 reaches the thirdposition. When the cutter 96 reaches the third position, themicroprocessor 408 sends a signal to the first controller and driver 390to advance the cutter 96 at speed Y. The cutter 96 then progressesthrough the port 78 at advancement speed Y while rotating at velocity Z.While advancing through the port 78, the cutter rotational speed ismonitored by the second controller and driver 406. If the rotationalspeed is greater than Z rpm, electrical current to the first (cutterrotation) motor/tach 338 is decreased. If the cutter rotational speed isless than Z rpm, electrical current to the first motor/tach 338 isincreased. One method of performing the speed control on both the firstand second motor/tach's, 338 and 340, is to generate an error signalbased on the difference between the desired speed and the actual speed.The error signal is then input into a proportional, differential, andderivative (PID) digital filter which is part of the respectivecontroller and driver, either 390 or 406. The sum of these three termsis used to generate the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. Thegeneration of the error signal and the PWM signal is accomplished by thefirst and second controllers and drivers, 390 and 406. A PWM signal isinput to the first controller and driver 390 to generate an analogoutput signal to drive the first motor/tach 338. Similarly, a PWM signalis input to the second controller and driver 406 to generate an analogoutput signal to drive the second motor/tach 340.

[0086] The microprocessor 408 also monitors the output value of thesecond controller and driver 406 PID filter such that if it exceeds apredefined maximum value, it will reduce the axial speed of the cutter96 a set amount by sending an updated speed command to the firstcontroller and driver 390. This closed-loop algorithm is intended toinsure that the target rotational speed is attained by decreasing theaxial speed of the cutter 96 under maximum loading conditions. Thecontrol logic then repeats from the beginning.

[0087]FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the LCD display 334 and the touchscreen 336, shown as part of the control unit 342 of FIG. 14. In oneembodiment of the present invention, twelve separate operating modes areavailable to a user. A control switch for each operating mode isdisplayed graphically on LCD display 334 in the form of icons, 346, 348,350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, and 368. The user mayinitiate a particular operation by pressing the touch screen in theregion of the appropriate icon using at the appropriate time during thesurgical procedure to electronically control the operation of the biopsydevice. The present invention is not restricted to use with theparticular combination of modes of operation shown in FIG. 15.

[0088] For the following description of the modes of operation, it willbe assumed for discussion purposes that the first embodiment of thepresent invention is being described, and that the first switch 146primarily controls the forward (distal direction) axial movement of thecutter 96, the second switch 148 primarily controls the reverse(proximal direction) axial movement of the cutter 96, and that the thirdswitch 150 primarily controls the fluidic connection of the handpiece 20to the fluid collection system 22. The switches, 146, 148, and 150, alsohave secondary functions such as setting the control unit 342 forparticular steps during the operation of the instrument, and thesesecondary functions are described later. The modes of operation are alsoapplicable to the second embodiment of the present invention whichincludes first switch 276, second switch 278, and third switch 280.

[0089] Each mode of operation is utilized for a particular portion ofthe general biopsy procedure. The “Prime” mode of operation is selectedwhen the operator is preparing the instrument for use. When an operatoractivates the “Prime” mode of operation by, for example, touching theLCD display 344 in the region of icon 346, the display 334 indicates thestatus as being “Prime Mode”. The cutter 96 then translates to the thirdposition just proximal to the port 78. Once the cutter is in the thirdposition, the display instructs the operator to apply saline to the port78 and to depress the vacuum switch 150 as needed to draw saline intopiercer 70 and through the probe assembly 40. The operator may observethe flow of saline through the window 58. Finally, the first pinch valve314 and second pinch valve 316 are both set to respond to the vacuumswitch 150.

[0090] The “Insert” mode of operation is next selected when the operatoris preparing the instrument for insertion into the tissue of thesurgical patient. When an operator activates the “Insert” mode ofoperation by, for example, touching the LCD display 344 in the region ofIcon 348, the display 344 indicates the status as being “Insert Mode”.The cutter 96 then translates to the fourth position, just distal to theport 78. Once the cutter 96 translates to the fourth position, thedisplay indicates that the instrument is ready to insert.

[0091] The “Verify” mode of operation is selected when the operatorwants to verify that the position of the port 78 is adjacent to thetissue to be extracted. In order to more easily visualize the port 78 ofthe inserted piercer 70 on the imaging device, it has been found thatthe cutter 96 should be retracted to a position proximal to the port 78,that is, the port 78 should be “open.” If the port 78 is not adjacent tothe tissue to be extracted, then the operator should “close” the port 78by moving the cutter 96 to the fourth position, so that the piercer 70may be hand-manipulated towards the tissue to be extracted. Then theport 78 should be opened again to verify that the port 78 is adjacent tothe tissue to be extracted. These steps are repeated until the port 78is adjacent the tissue to be extracted. When an operator activates the“Verify” mode of operation by, for example, touching the LCD display 344in the region of Icon 350, the display 344 indicates the status as being“Verify Mode”. If the cutter 96 is not at the fourth position (the port78 is “open”), the second motor 340 is set to respond to the handpiecefirst (forward) switch 146. Then the display 344 instructs the operatorto close the port 78 by pressing the first (forward) switch 146 on thehandpiece 20. When the operator presses the first (forward) switch 146,the cutter 96 translates to the fourth position. The second motor 340 isthen set to respond to the handpiece second (reverse) switch 148. If thecutter 96 is already at the fourth position when the “Verify” mode isselected, then the second motor 340 is set to respond to the second(reverse) switch 148. Then the display 344 instructs the operator toopen the port 78 by pressing the second (reverse) switch 148 on thehandpiece. When the operator presses the second (reverse) switch 148,the cutter 96 translates to the third position just proximal to the port78. Then the second motor 340 is set to respond to the first (forward)switch 146.

[0092] The “Sample” mode of operation is selected when the operatordesires to extract a portion of tissue from the surgical patient. Whenthe operator activates the “Sample” mode of operation by, for example,touching the LCD display 344 in the region of icon 352, the display 344indicates the status as being “Sample Mode”. The cutter 96 thentranslates to the third position which is just proximal to the port 78.Then the second motor 340 is set to respond to the first (forward)switch 146. Once the cutter 96 is in the third position, the display 344instructs the operator to take a tissue sample by pressing the first(forward) switch 146 on the handpiece. When the first (forward) switch146 is pressed, the first pinch valve 314 and second pinch valve 316 areopened, and the first motor 338 is activated to rotate the cutter 96 atthe appropriate speed. Then the cutter 96 translates to the fourthposition, severing the tissue portion prolapsed into the port 78 as thecutter 96 moves distally. Once the cutter 96 reaches the fourthposition, the first motor 338 is deactivated and the cutter 96 stopsrotating. Then the first pinch valve 314 is activated to close. Next thedisplay 344 instructs an operator to retrieve a tissue sample bypressing, the second (reverse) switch 148 on the handpiece 20. Thesecond motor is set to respond to the second (reverse) switch 148 on thehandpiece 20. When the operator presses the second (reverse) switch 148,the cutter 96 translates to the first, fully retracted position, justdistal to the sampling surface 64. Then the second pinch valve 316 isactivated to close the vacuum for the tissue remover 132. A “smartvacuum” is also activated and a plurality of vacuum pulses (0.5 secondson and 0.5 seconds off) are supplied to the second vacuum tube 136. Adetailed description of the “smart vacuum” is provided in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/878468 filed by the same assignee as for thepresent application and which is incorporated herein for reference. Thedisplay 344 instructs the operator to remove the tissue sample. If therewas no sample extracted, that is, the severed tissue portion remained atthe distal end of the piercer 70 rather than be deposited onto thetissue sample surface 64, the operator is instructed to select “DryTap”. The operator is also instructed to select “Remove Air/Blood” ifrequired to remove excessive fluids in the patient and probe assemble40. The operator is finally instructed to press the first (forward)switch 146 on the handpiece 20 to extract the next sample. Next, thesecond motor 340 is set to respond to the first (forward) switch 146 onthe handpiece 20. When the first (forward) switch 146 is pressed by theoperator, the “smart-vacuum” is stopped and the first and second pinchvalves, 314 and 316, are activated to open, and the cutter 96 translatesin the distal direction. As the cutter 96 approaches the third positionjust proximal to the port 78, the first motor 338 is activated to rotatethe cutter 96 which then translates to the fourth, fully distalposition. Then the cutter 96 rotation is stopped and the first pinchvalve 314 is closed to stop the vacuum to the vacuum pressure chambertube 76 supplied by the first vacuum tube 94.

[0093] The “Mark” mode of operation is selected when the operatordesires to implant a metallic marker within the surgical patient at thelocation from which the tissue was extracted. When the operatoractivates the “Mark” mode of operation by, for example, touching thedisplay 344 in the region of icon 354, the display 344 indicates thestatus as being “Marker Mode” and also prompts the operator to select“Dry Tap” if required. Then the operator is instructed to press thethird (vacuum) switch 150 on the handpiece 20 to activate the “Mark”mode. A marking instrument which may be used in combination with thepresent invention for marking tissue is commercially available under thetradename MICROMARK from Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. Acomplete description of the MICROMARK applier and clip, and the methodof its use, is included in U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 09/105,757and Ser. No. 09/105,570, both filed on Jun. 26, 1998, and which areincorporated herein for reference. When the operator presses the third(vacuum) switch 150, the cutter 96 translates to the first position justproximal to the tissue sampling surface 64. The display 344 theninstructs the operator to insert the MICROMARK instrument, to press thethird (vacuum) switch 150 on handpiece when ready to deploy, and todeploy the marker. Then when the third (vacuum) switch 150 is pressed,the first pinch valve 314 is activated to the open position for fiveseconds to supply vacuum to the port 78 through the vacuum chamber 76.Next the display 344 instructs the operator to reposition the MICROMARKinstrument if marker deployment was not complete, to press the third(vacuum) switch 150 on the handpiece when ready to deploy the marker, todeploy the marker, and if the marker deployment is complete, to removethe MICROMARK instrument.

[0094] The “Remove” mode of operation is selected when the operator isready to remove the piercer 70 from within the tissue of the surgicalpatient. When the operator activates the “Remove” mode of operation by,for example, touching the display 344 in the region of icon 356, thedisplay 344 indicates the status as being “Remove Mode”. The cutter 96translates to the fourth, fully distal position and closes the port 78.The display 344 instructs the operator that the instrument is ready toremove.

[0095] The “Remove Air/Blood” mode of operation is selected when theoperator desires to remove any fluids present near the distal end of thepiercer 78 and within the probe assembly 40. When the operator activatesthe “Remove Air/Blood” mode of operation by, for example, pressing thedisplay 344 in the region of icon 360, the display 344 indicates thestatus as being “Remove Air/Blood Mode”. The cutter 96 then translatesto the third position just proximal to the port 78. The first pinchvalve 314 and the second pinch valve 316 are both set to respond to thethird (vacuum) switch 150 on the handpiece 20. The display theninstructs the operator to remove the air/blood by pressing the third(vacuum) switch 150 on the handpiece 20. When the third (vacuum) switch150 is pressed, the first pinch valve 314 and the second pinch valve 316are activated to open for five seconds. When they are closed, the cutter96 then translates to the first, fully retracted position just proximalto the tissue sampling surface 64. Then the “Remove Air/Blood” mode isautomatically exited and the previous mode selected is automaticallyreset.

[0096] The “Dry Tap” mode of operation is selected when the operator hadattempted to extract a tissue portion from the surgical patient usingthe “Sample” mode of operation, but a tissue portion was not depositedonto the tissue sample surface 64. This may occur when the tissueportion is properly severed from the surgical patient, but remained inthe distal end of the piercer 78. When the operator activates the “DryTap” mode of operation by, for example, touching the display 344 in theregion of icon 358, the display 344 indicates the status as being “DryTap Mode”. The cutter 96 then translates to the third position justproximal to the port 78. Then the second pinch valve 316 is activated toopen for 0.5 seconds and to close for 0.5 seconds three times in orderto pulse the vacuum supplied to the tissue remover 132 through thesecond vacuum tube 136. The cutter 96 then translates to the first,fully retracted position just proximal to the tissue sampling surface64. The “Dry Tap” mode of operation is then exited and the previouslyselected mode of operation is automatically selected.

[0097] The “Flush” mode of operation is selected when the operatordesires to clear any obstructions (tissue fragments, etc.) on the distalend of the tissue remover 132 to enable the passage of fluids throughit. When an operator activates the “Flush” mode of operation by, forexample, touching the display 344 in the region of icon 362, the display344 indicates the status as being “Flush Mode”. The cutter 96 thentranslates to the first, fully retracted position, thus exposing thedistal end of the tissue remover 132. Then the control unit 342 is setto respond to the vacuum switch 150, which when pressed by the operator,causes the “Flush” mode of operation to be exited and the previouslyselected mode of operation to be automatically reset. Before pressingthe vacuum switch 150, however, the operator may temporarily disconnectthe second connector 304, inject fluid such as saline into the secondvacuum tube 136 using a syringe, and reconnect the second connector 304.

[0098] The “Inject” mode of operation is selected when the operatordesires to inject a fluid, such as a local anesthetic, into the tissuesurrounding the distal end of the piercer 78. When the operatoractivates the “Inject” mode of operation by, for example, touching thedisplay 344 in the region of icon 364, the display 344 indicates thestatus as being “Inject Mode”. The cutter 96 then translates to thethird position just proximal to the port 78. Then the control unit 342is set to respond to the third (vacuum) switch 150 on the handpiece 20.Next the display instructs the operator to inject the fluid into thesecond vacuum tube 136, and to press the third (vacuum) switch 150 againonce the injection is complete. When the operator has completed theinjection into the second vacuum tube 136, reconnected it to the fluidcollection system 22, and pressed the third (vacuum) switch 150, thecutter 96 translates to the first, fully retracted position. At thatpoint, the “Inject” mode of operation is exited, and the previouslyselected mode of operation is automatically reset.

[0099] Each time one of the available operating modes is selected, adisplay area 344 provides written and graphic information to prompt theuser as to the correct usage of the instrument and the next operationalsteps. A mode indicator display 370 includes a representation of theprobe assembly showing the instantaneous position of the cutter tube,referred to as a cutter position indicator 373, activation of the frontvacuum indicator 372 (corresponding with the first vacuum tube 94), andactivation of the rear vacuum indicator 371 (corresponding with thesecond vacuum tube 136).

[0100] The present invention, as described, is transportable from roomto room of a physician's office, primarily because the handpiece neednot be mounted to an X-ray stereotactic table. The remaining portions ofthe instrument, including the fluid collection system, the powertransmission source, and the control unit, may be packaged into aportable, wheeled unit. In one scenario, the physician would have anumber of patients, each in a separate room, being prepared fortreatment while the surgical procedure is being performed on anotherpatient. The biopsy instrument could then be moved to the patient,rather than vice versa, thus helping the patient to feel relaxed andprepared for the procedure. A different, sterile probe assembly would beprovided for each patient, while the holster portion of the handpiecewould be reused.

[0101] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in theart that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it isintended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A biopsy device for the collection and retrievalof at least one soft tissue portion from a surgical patient, said biopsydevice comprising: a. a handpiece configured for grasping by a singlehand, said handpiece having a distal end and a proximal end, saidhandpiece being independently manipulatable by the single hand withoutan external support for movement of said biopsy device toward and awayfrom the surgical patient; b. an elongated piercer extending from thedistal end of said handpiece, said piercer having i. a piercer lumen,ii. a sharpened distal end for entering tissue when said handpiece ofsaid biopsy device is moved independently by the single hand toward thesurgical patient so as to cause said sharpened distal end to penetratethe tissue, and iii. a port located proximal to said sharpened distalend for receiving a portion of a tissue mass when said handpiece isfurther manipulated independently by the single hand so as to positionthe tissue mass adjacent to said port, said piercer lumen being in fluidcommunication with said port; c. an elongated cutter having a distalend, a proximal end, and a cutter lumen therethrough, said cutter beingdisposed coaxially and slidably relative to said piercer, said cutterhaving a cutting blade on the cutter distal end for cutting the portionof tissue protruding into said port of said piercer when said cutterslides distally past said port, thereby depositing the portion of cuttissue within said cutter lumen of said cutter proximal to said cuttingblade; d. a cutter rotational transmission contained within saidhandpiece and operationally connected to said elongated cutter, and whensaid cutter rotational transmission is actuated, said cutter is rotatedabout its longitudinal axis; e. a cutter axial transmission containedwithin said handpiece and operationally connected to said elongatedcutter, and when said cutter axial transmission is actuated, said cutteris slid in an axial direction relative to said piercer; and f. a powertransmission source connected to the proximal end of said handpiece andoperationally engageable with: i. said cutter rotational transmissionfor actuating said cutter rotational transmission, and ii. said cutteraxial transmission for actuating said cutter axial transmission.
 2. Thebiopsy device of claim 1 further comprising a tubular tissue removerhaving a proximal end and a distal end, said remover disposed in saidcutter lumen of said cutter and having a strainer on the distal endthereof and disposed proximally of said port, said strainer forobstructing said cutter lumen so that the portion of cut tissue severedby said cutter is prevented from moving proximally through said cutterlumen.
 3. The biopsy device of claim 2 further comprising a first vacuumtube having a proximal end and a distal end, and the distal end of saidfirst vacuum tube is connected in fluid communication to the proximalend of said tubular tissue remover.
 4. The biopsy device of claim 3further comprising a first connector attached to the proximal end ofsaid first vacuum tube, said first connector providing for the fluidicconnection of said first vacuum tube to a fluid collection system. 5.The biopsy device of claim 3 wherein said first vacuum tube is made of amaterial which permits visualization of the flow of fluid therethrough.6. The biopsy device of claim 1 further comprising a second vacuum tubehaving a distal end and a proximal end, and a portion of said secondvacuum tube is contained within said handpiece, wherein the proximal endof said second vacuum tube is releasably attached to a fluid collectionsystem, and the distal end of said second vacuum tube is in fluidcommunication with said piercer lumen.
 7. The biopsy device of claim 6wherein said second vacuum tube is made of a material which permitsvisualization of the flow of fluid therethrough.
 8. The biopsy device ofclaim 6 further comprising a second connector attached to the proximalend of said second vacuum tube, said second connector providing for thefluidic connection of said second vacuum tube to said fluid collectionsystem.
 9. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein said handpiece furthercomprises a holster for detachably connecting said handpiece to saidpower transmission source.
 10. The biopsy device of claim 9 wherein saidpower transmission source includes a first electrically driven motor anda first rotatable shaft, and said first motor is connected to theproximal end of said first rotatable shaft, and said first rotatableshaft has a distal end rotationally mounted to said holster, so thatsaid first motor is operationally engaged with said cutter rotationaltransmission of said handpiece.
 11. The biopsy device of claim 10wherein said power transmission source further includes a secondelectrically driven motor and a second rotatable shaft, and said secondmotor is connected to the proximal end of said second rotatable shaft,and said second rotatable shaft has a distal end rotationally mounted tosaid holster, so that said second motor is operationally engaged withsaid cutter axial transmission of said handpiece.
 12. The biopsy deviceof claim 1 wherein said handle has a tissue sampling surface thereondisposed between the proximal and distal ends of said handpiece for theretrieval of the portion of the cut tissue from within said cutter lumenof said biopsy device.